19 Arrested In Federal Drug Trafficking Investigation

CHICAGO (CBS) — Federal prosecutors have charged 19 people for taking part in two drug rings that supplied large quantities of powder and crack cocaine to the city and suburbs.

WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody reports 16 of the defendants were arrested Wednesday as part of an operation that seized several kilograms of cocaine last fall. The other three defendants were already in state custody.

Federal prosecutors said authorities seized additional amounts of cocaine, heroin and marijuana on Wednesday, as well as $100,000 in cash, 10 firearms, and six vehicles.

The federal complaint alleges 42-year-old Odell Givens of Crete and 36-year-old Antwan Jones of Elmhurst led their own groups, trafficking drugs supplied by four men from Chicago.

According to the complaint, Jones stored and distributed drugs from the third floor and garden apartments at 607 E. 60th St.

Givens and Jones face between 10 years and life in prison if convicted. The others could get between 5 and 40 years if convicted.